should have stayed in bed

What’s worse than a hornets nest? A room full of smelly hungover angry minions. Sam, who couldn’t throw a decent roll of the dice, opened up the door to a dozen of half awake minions. Sam tried to be stealthy, but he was still seen. He threw down half a bags of steel bearings and retreated back. The bounty hunter leaped forward and fought the horde as they made it into the small hallway. Many slid and fell and others worked their way forward. One made it past BH into the adjoining room and fought our group. There were dark leathery creatures that attacked and retreated repeatedly. We couldn’t fight them or see them until they struck. Our band finally overcame the minions and made our way into the dorm to finish the last ones. The door behind us closed. Now we have to see what else may be in this room. There is a door, beds that may hide secrets, and the invisible flying things may be in here as well. Man its great to be alive.

the spiral was more akin to an eye made out of dollar bills

We took an extended rest and Rowena had a fore site dream of bad things if we went north-west. We decided to take the north-east path. While investigating the door Sam Sam found some traps and successfully disarmed them. When he looked for other traps he failed so Dylan opened the door. There was a hallway that led north and a hallway that led east. The east passage goes 20 feet then turns south. The north passage led 20 feet with a 10 foot long hallway 10 feet in. The hallway ended in a 15×15 foot room with a portcullis in the south-east corner and a ‘spiral’ set in the stone. There was also a door in the north-east corner. When Rowena opened the portcullis there was a fiery blast the singed Rowena and everyone else dodged. Behind the portcullis was a wall with nothing else. We decided to go through the north-east door which went east for 5 feet then had another door. when we opened that door and there were lots of baddies.

The pool that was in the room started to move more. As it continued to shift in its rhythm creatures started to crawl out, all of them disfigured. With this kind of power we thought we might be done for, but it appeared that these were not skilled creatures and were downright awful at striking any one of us. BM pulled out one of the corner posts, with apparently great difficulty. As the screen atop the pool got looser, and looser it seemed to have a life of its own as it wrapped around Rowena. It wasn’t long before Sam came and chopped it in half.

At this time all of the creatures from the pool had been eliminated. The prisoners hanging on the wall were unconscious for the most part. But one was able to talk for a moment. We learned that the brigantine priests had forced them to dig the pool, and that their essence was being drained to power something.

A mirror had stood in the corner and as we looked around a figure appeared in it, it was a portal rather than a mirror. As the figure left, we saw runes from the middle of the woods, that Father Morland had been previously associated with.

The party scouted the Church for the best way in. After going around the outside of the building, the front door seemed the best way in. The interior was dark and the pews were far to close together. The group decided to make their way to the back, to where the offices were located. But before the party got there they got ambushed by a ugly winged critter with a spiky tail. After they pummeled it to the ground with only a few scratches, they proceeded to the back offices. remembering the notes that they found, they located FM’s office quickly. But it seemed that they had hit a dead end. they searched the office for clues. BH decided to check the stack of chests containing worship supplies, and under the last one was a trap door, leading down into the depths.

BH deiced to go first down the ladder. He probably should have looked before he started going, because the third step he went down exploded in a shatter of wood. He did not take any damage but who know what was alerted down in the depths. once the party hit the floor and over barring sense of sadness weighed down on them. nothing seemed to be attacking at the moment, so the party moved on. The went down a tunnel and found them selves standing in-front of a creepy moving pool and a Portal in the corner. The group knew the sadness was coming from the pool and standing too close to it would make the sadness almost too much to bear. There where three men around the pool, a man chanting and the other two appeared to be guards of some-sort. The three had not seen the party yet and they where able to get a few blows in. Out of the shadows another winged beast attacked the group from behind. Shanston was able to trap two of them with a web and the beatings commenced. The winged beats, a guard, and the chanter soon feel to the party. The only thing left to figure out where the portal and the creepy pool.

tusks arent good for pulling nails

Today we stayed at Shanston’s family home waiting til nightfall. The first place we decided to search was the field hospital at the Diancecht temple. The safest way in was through the back door that was boarded up trying to hold something or one in. After removing the boards we could hear foot steps. We didn’t see anyone so proceeded upstairs to Phiala’s office. It looked tidy with some items missing. There were also 6 beds in the room with 3 of the towns people. They looked like the life had been drained from them, but the watched as we entered.

The attacked us. The bounty hunter, old tuskface, and Shanston dispatched the first. The other 2 followed soon after. With no one else to stop us, we searched Phiala’s office. Her personal items were gone. The remaining items were neatly placed, but not the way she would have left them. The bottle of lemon juice was a good clue as were the misplaced bandages. We unrolled them to find messages she had left behind. Not finding anything else we left the building and replaced the boards.
We were now planning to search the Brigantian Temple. Skirting along the palacade wall a patrol of 5 townsmen came upon us. They used a spell to illuminate our 2 fey. Two of them we killed and managed to put the other three to sleep. Now we have to decide what to do with them.

We left Deanadachd with the next caravan heading North. Having grown up with the people of Còisir Shanston and I felt it was urgent that we return there to expose Father Moorland as a fraud and save our families and friends from whatever plans he has for the town. When we got to a narrow pass our way was blocked by another caravan that was stuck in the mud. We offered our assistance to help push the other caravan through the pass. While trying to push the caravan Ulundes, SamSam and Shanston slid down the slope into the swamp. Upon closer inspection, we noticed that the slope was not just muddy, but slick with grease. Bounty Hunter tried to throw a rope to our friends, but slipped in the greasy mud and fell down the hill as well. Several lights appeared in the swamp and attacked the party. Meanwhile Rowena and an elf who was with the caravan noticed a fae creature in the tall grass above the road and quickly defeated it. The swamp lights started attacking Ulundes, Shanston, Bounty Hunter and SamSam. They fought back but were unable to do damage to to all but one of the lights.
After checking to make sure the creature in the grass was dead, Rowena made her way back to the wagons, being careful to stay on the dry side, where she securely tied a rope to one of the wagons then threw the rope to the party members in the swamp. The elf went up the hill to investigate some movement he saw in the grass (or so he said). He quickly disappeared from sight over the top of the hill. Rowena attempted to attack the strange swamp lights, but they managed to evade all of her attacks. After noticing some movement in the grass and seeing that there was nothing more she could do for her friends in the swamp, Rowena went to investigate the movement in the grass and became entangled in plants that suddenly appeared.
The lights disappeared and the rest of the party was able to reach the caravan wagons using the rope that Rowena had tied to the wagons. Rowena was able to disentangle herself from the plants that had her restrained. The grease and plants disappeared, then the party smelled smoke and spotted it coming from the 4th wagon. They ran to the wagon and were able to get the driver off the wagon, disconnect it and push it down the hill into the swamp before the dynamite inside detonated.
The rest of the trip to Còisir was uneventful. As we approached Còisir and the caravans stopped to set up camp, we noticed that a lot had changed in the short time we had been away. They were busy building a wall around the city, a trench had been dug outside the wall and there were check points with armed guards at the entrance to the city. We accepted our pay from the caravans and made our way to Shanston’s house. His mother was relieved to see her son safe, but was concerned for our safety. It seems that Father Moorland is in charge and everyone does what he says. Phiala has not been seen in ages and the temple is boarded up. Our best bet to expose Father Moorland is the get into the Temple of Dianchect and see what is happening there and if the priests and priestesses there can be of any help.

We got attacked by rats, jermlaines, and rat swarms while looking at everything that we had got from the break-in. We killed them all. They got in through a little crack in the wall. They sneak attacked us. At the very beginning they were hidden and snuffed out the lamp with a water balloon-esque thing.

Jorros told us more about the Ley Clach. He told us that in order to activate each Ley Clach it has to be in the correct spot which is, unfortunately, not the same for all of them. [You suspect one location is the Dripping Caverns. You don’t know any other location.] He also told us that if you have one then you gain the ability to teleport [short distances]. If you have two people attuned to their Ley Clach then they can switch places with each other. if you have all four then you can control the main portal. A fifth Ley Clach controls the other four Ley Clachs as a master key.

we did the break in. the star of the distraction was the dancer. ulundes and sam sam killed two people. it was confirmed that the temple had been infiltrated. we also found out that father moorland was a math mathowney follower. they also found three scrolls int he desk that they got the ledger out of.

We found Jorros at the Minstrel’s Friend. Jorros summoned us because an evil god had infiltrated the temple of Brigantia. he showed us a ledger. In it he ledger there were crossed out names of people. we decided to plan a break in. the plan was to have two groups, n of which was me, rowena, and jorros to distract. the other part was to have sam sam, bh, and ulundes to steal the ledger.

After being eaten, slimed, electrocuted, charmed, crushed, fired at, beaten, and bruised, the party made it back to the Town of Horse Shit.

Having only brought back 2 of the kids, they were not greeted with cheers. In fact many of the towns people looked quite upset. But there was work still to be had and the party knew they where not going to be staying long. After BH ( newly titled Banker) gave out coins for repairs the party split up. The bounty hunter needed a bath, Ulundes went to go drink, Shantson and Rowena when to talk to some parents, and sam sam sam sam sam went to the library. Ulundes received a note from Jorros delivered by a caravan driver. The note implied that He needed to see the party soon at a town near Deanadachd. The group had also been invited to the funeral service for all the children that had lost their lives in the deep, dark, and stinky dungeon. The party mostly decided to go to the funeral in the morning and then leave to Jorros.

During the Funeral a crazed man attacked brandishing his old rusty sword. the participating party soon brought him down. and saw what they believed to be an illusion of a real crown under the thorn one given to all the people at the funeral. After saving the people of the town again, they where asked by Father Moorland to leave the town.

We finished clearing the rockfall from doorway and enter a room with 3 large toads. We kept the remaining children out of reach of the toads and prepared for a battle. I was so distraught over the losing most of the children was able to do little more than heal injuries. Bounty Hunter got swallowed by one of the toads and managed to hack his way out while Shanston, Sam and Ulundes fought the other 2 toads. After defeating the toads, we explored the room and found a secret door behind and iron maiden. It led to the room at the beginning of the dungeon with another iron maiden and as we returned to the room that we were transported into we realized that out was the other direction. We found out way out to the waterfall opening and managed to get everyone down to safety. Fortunately we did not run into any more trouble getting back to Coirsir.

Sam went to scout a hallway where he found a door. Unfortunately, he didn’t succeed in disabling the trap and a shower of rocks cascaded to the floor. Fortunately he was able to get out of the way and was not injured. Hearing his exclamations we ran to his assistance. In order to get through the door we were going to have to clear the rocks. Ulundes and Bounty Hunter assisted with that task while Shanston and I watched over the children trying to keep them calm. Unfortunately, nobody closed the door behind us so we didn’t hear the Naga slither into the hall behind us until it was too late. The Naga immediately put Shanston and the children to sleep. With a bit of shuffling (and I’m sure some amount of swearing) Bounty Hunter, Ulundes & Sam managed to wake and move the children to the far end of the hallway. I was bit by the Naga and would surely have died if Ulundes hadn’t risked life and limb to force a healing postion down my throat. Upon awakening I moved past my friends to let them attack. Unfortunately none of us counted on the Naga having a devastating lightning attack which it unleashed, killing 3 of the 5 remaining children. Having finally defeated the Naga, we closed the door from which it entered. Shanston & I decided to keep watch over the hallway entrance while Ulundes, Sam and Bounty Hunter went back to clearing the door.

Entering another room we found more enemies to fight. The loss of so many of the children is starting to wear on me since I have known them all since birth. I have done what I can to put their souls to rest, but our priority has to be to get the rest of the children out of here alive. I have marked the map with the place that all of them fell so hopefully some brave people from the village can recover their bodies. I wonder if we the other exit from the room that we were transported into would have led us out more quickly.

After fighting off the wight and zombie in the new room we found a locked box under a pile of trash. Bounty Hunter took a couple of arrows in the back trying to recover the box, but was able to get it and after some work we got it open. Inside were some gems and coin, but more importantly, there was a scroll of divination. Hopefully we can use it to find our way out of here. I don’t know why I didn’t think to cast an augury during our last rest…

So I have only just met this ragtag group trying to return a village’s children, but in that short time they seem genuinely concerned to return the kids to their homes. Unfortunately we have had bad fortune. Today 4 were killed by a Naga. Two of the group fought bravely beside me. The bounty hunter seemed like he was in some sort of trance and the barbarian who was badly injured the day before slept, loudly, through the ordeal. Even though he was stunned the bounty hunter placed himself between the kids and sang offensive songs that would make a sailer or judge turn redder. Rowena and Shanston put up a good fight, but the creature was too fast. In the end we triumphed, but it was a sad victory. We did find that all but two doors out of this room were dead ends. we didn’t want to go back the way we came, so we took the other door. This led us to another room with a skeleton and a wight waiting for us. There is also a pile of trash in one of the corners that may give us a clue to getting out of this place.

The night was quiet while the party rested while Bounty Hunter, Ulundes and Moft kept watch. Rowena was sick from the spider’s poison and distraught over losing Adair, Taavi, Kael, Nadia and Cael so was unable to help with the watch. Shanston helped to sooth the remaining children to sleep. We were startled awake when we heard Ulundes growl at Moft “Don’t touch my stuff!!”

After everyone was awake we shared what rations we had with the children and tried to reassure them that we would get them home. After Moft checked all the doors and dismantled traps we continued through the door that looked most likely to lead us out. After reaching the end of a winding hallway we came to another room. While Shanston and Rowena gathered the children together and setting the oldest to keep watch Moft checked the door, then Ulundes proceeded into the room to be attacked by spectres. Ulundes and Bounty hunter attacked the spectres dealing some damage as their weapins passed through the enemy. Moft took a shot at the spectre then disappeared.

Shanston and Rowena were able to do more with their powers. Unfortunately one of the spectres slipped by us and attacked Jabari who through himself in front of his younger sister. Rowena, unable to reach the spectre terrorizing the children went to help Ulundes and Bounty Hunter. Shanston finished off the spectre in the hallway and calmed the remaining children. Rowena attacked the remaining spectre, making herself a target and being attacked in return. She was quickly overwhelmed and went down. In a fury, Bounty Hunter quickly finished off the remaining spectre avenging the fallen Rowena.

With the battle over Moft scampered off to check some strange looking skulls set along the wall while Ulundes rummaged through Rowena’s pack for a healing potion to revive her and Shanston calmed the remaining children and moved them into the now empty room.

We appeared in a very large room, with the only option being the door facing us. Unprepared for the trap that laid there, Moft tried to open the door. An arrow shot down from the ceiling. Looking up we all noticed the apparent gap for more arrows to go through if we attempted again without being wise about it. The strangest thing in this room was not the trap, or the smell of urine soaked pants coming from the small humans behind us. It was the fact that this room was curiously clean. We continued on into the next room, I grumbled to myself about having to drag along the tiny humans.
This next room held quite the surprise, torture devices lined up along all walls. There was even an iron maiden standing upright to our left. None of them were clean and had been well used. Husks of some creature laid in the large spikes of the iron maiden. I swear there was a slight red glow to the room to add more of a distressing effect. Of course children started crying and some just urinated more than they already had before. I’m not sure still if it was the noise that drew the creatures, or if it was the stench of fear reeking from the children. Giant spiders proceeded to crawl down from the ceiling. As the fight rang out it was apparent that the children were easy targets, and unfortunately I wasn’t the only one to realize it. It seemed as though children started dropping all around us. Rowena was soon rendered powerless as a web ensnared her, along with a child that lingered too close. As if that wasn’t enough she was paralyzed as well, only to watch in horror the slaughter that happened around her.
After the constant struggle of trying to keep children safe and alive, we managed to take down the pesky beasts. It seemed as thought we had successfully gotten rid of the lot, so I was able to cut Rowena loose from her binding. It was then that the number of children had been realized. We lost 5 of the noisy humans. Of course everyone else appeared to be distraught, although it didn’t seem like a hindrance to me, the less of them the more likely we might make it out alive. But I guess not all is fair in blood and war.

Children in tow, the companions are forced to press on.

The rain was still falling heavy, the torches that lit the ring circle of stones held out. Defiant against the storm. Rowena was breathing heavy, quickly wrapping up the Ley-Clach in a cloth and placing it in her bag. She looked up. Ulundes to could hear the voices coming, the priestess regarded the barbarian. In a silent agreement they hurried into the brush and waited for the torches to draw near.

It was Father Moorland, thank the goddess. Rowena thought.

Ulundes stepped out right in front of him, he came chest level to the she-elf. He jumped back with a start. “Augh!” He shouted, stepping back his hand up in warding for it to dawn on him it was the barbarian. “Ulundes,” He began, shaking his head calming himself. “The children, did you find the children?”

“Five of them.” She stated bluntly, “The rest of the scared runts ran through a portal.”

He gazed at her, eyes wide, “What did you say? How many?”

“Ten, fifteen. I’m not positive. A cultist was shoving them inside, and went through. The rest sort of ran around and a few pushed one another in trying to get away. I imagine some got away into the woods.” She shrugged.

Moorland shook his head, a calloused hand came to rest upon his forehead. “Where is Rowena.”

“I am here, Father Moorland.” She dipped her head, although she was drenched in mud she remained her ever patient, and reassuring self. Already, the rain was washing away the dark stains of red on her face and armor.

“Sister, thank goodness you are here. Where are the rest of you?”

“Ulundes forgot to mention that the Bounty Hunter, Shanston, and Moft all ran in after them. We’ve no idea where they are.”

“How did the portal came to be, sister?” He was already hurrying towards the circle, the men who accompanied him holding the torches aloft.

“I assume the Devil walked in a clockwise circle, if Moft hadn’t jumped the gun and likewise, Ulundes I would of been able to determine. In either case, he was still able to open it through their valiant efforts.” She responded cleanly. The two corpses of the Cultist, and likewise the Devil laid where they had died.

Father Moorland seemed non-impressed, “I can open the portal, but only for a few moments. I need you and Ulundes to retrieve the children, and your wayward companions. Please, promise me you will bring them back.”

Rowena nodded her assurance, “What can we do?”

“Whoever was in the circle when it began must return their again.”

“That’s me.” Ulundes stepped inside the circle.

“Then I will begin.” He nodded, first coming to place a mirror at the center of the ring of stones. Next, his hands raised drawing intricate invisible lines into the air while he muttered his spell. Slowly, a shimmer of a distant portal appeared, “Go! Now!”

Ulundes was evidently in pain, a hand clasped to her head as if she was having a migraine, another at her stomach as she glowed a soft blue that lead to the portal. Despite it all, she ran towards the portal and jumped inside. Rowena just behind her. They looked over.

A giant they looks of which was part fey and a hill looked their way. Rowena raised her hand, “Just passing thro—!” The beast seemed none to happy, sitting back up and beginning to chase them. Though he was a long way off, and they both went out the other exit of the portal.

Moft, BH, and Shanston stood among a dozen or so children all either crying, screaming, or frightened. With what experience Moft had, all she knew how to do was play. Trying to play pattiecake or sing a song did little, so she scurried off to a corner of the dungeon-room they found themselves in. Shanston stood among the children, seemingly unaffected. Perhaps it helped he wasn’t much older than them?

“SHUTYOURPUNYMOUTHS!” The Half-Orc shouted, the children jumped back, a large sum cowering into a corner of the room. Huddled close and crying on each others shoulders, while a handful either screamed at him and staring, waiting for their painful demise.

He growled, “QUIET!” The few that hand’t huddled to begin with, did, though a few did attempt to stifle their sobs. The Orc was enjoying the silence just barely until he saw a mark float above into the room. Moft and Shanston saw it to, perplexed they still remained where they were. A part of the mark vanished and they were transported.

Moft was the first to jump aside, looking for any means to hide, but there wasn’t. When she, and the others came to realize they were reunited. There wasn’t much hello’s and warm hugs or greetings like she may have liked. The situation was grave, still trapped in a lit dungeon room, the children were scattered once again. The distant sound of living things was not far. It was ominous to say the least, but for the time being it appeared they were being left alone. So they had to hurry.

Rowena went immediately about soothing them, and calming them. With her demeanor and new blood-cleaned body fresh out of the rain she was able to accomplish such a task. While Moft regarded the whole of the room, two torches. Two doors to the left side of her, and an arched doorway lacking the door to her right. She went to investigate - but stopped as Ulundes gave a step back. Blood dripped from an open palm, and she shook it. “Bloody door handle bit me!” She growled.

Moft quickly ran over, recognizing the door handle’s trap mechanism as the one on a different door that almost claimed her life. A chance at revenge. She quickly began to pick the lock, and was successful. She looked over her shoulder and smiled, “You can open it now!”

Without so much as a thank you, Ulundes did just that. The hallway was dark.

“How should we proceed?” The elf asked.

No one was quick to suggest, but Moft did. “I say you first, Ulundes. Your eye sight and hearing as an elf is superior. Followed by me, as I will be your back up. Should a trap need disabling I can do that.” Then she turned to the rest of her companions. “The children will follow behind us, with the three of you guarding the flank. You are the strongest among us, and seeing as that’s the open doorway, that should be where our captors come.”

“What makes you determine I’m one of the strongest?” Rowena looked at her curiously.

“Well I just thought that—”

“I can calm them, but Shanston should travel in the middle.”

“Wouldn’t that be dangerous, with spell casting and all?” She questioned.

“They’re short.” The gruff voice of BH added.

Without any further qualms, the companions pressed on. Ulundes found no traps, and pressed further on until their pathway came to a T. On the left, a doorway. They assumed from their room prior due to how close the room was to them. Their right, a cavern. Moft volunteered to scout it out.

“If I don’t return within two minutes and a half, assume I’m captured or dead. Proceed on without me.” She stated. She stealthed only using the thick inky darkness of the cavern, her half-elf eyes saw through the dark just fine. She came upon a second cavern, and returned.

“There’s a second cavern going in.”

“Could be a way out, or further in.” BH commented.

“We should turn the other way.” Ulundes said, and Rowena agreed. The party turned around further. The arched doorway was just as dark, if not darker than the one they traveled prior. Not to far ahead, Ulundes found a magic mark, a trap laying in wait. Moft was quick to destroy what lines were important to the spell and deactivated it without setting the arcane trap off. They proceeded, through a series of a twisting halls, until they came to a T again. They turned left.

Rowena all the while, had been quietly asking the children to remain and quiet. Hold hands as they walked, and she was able to keep them relatively subdued, it must prove prudent. No goblins or henchman popped out at them yet.

At last, they came to a steel door. Ulundes and Moft both checked it, but saw no trap. Ulundes went to open it. “Wow!” Came the prior, as a bolt of ice whizzed past her shoulder from above. Moft blushed.

“Opps, I guess I should of spotted that one.” She disabled the trap without trouble.

“This door’s locked, and it’s heavy.” The elf stated.

“So break it down!” The Orc pitched in from behind.

Moft was slapping the door ineffectually. Which earned her to be shoved aside by Ulundes.

“We’ll do the real work around here, half-elf.”

Moft glared, but made her way to the back of the line. Where she began playing pattie-cake with some of the smaller girls. Rowena and BH made to the front. They all pushed their weight against it, but to no avail. Finally, Rowena asked them both to step aside. Calling upon her goddesses favor, Rowena summoned a great battle-hammer.

With it firmly grasped between her hands she began to smack against the steel-doors. WHAAAAM! BAAAAAANG! TWAAAANG! Sang the door and the hammer as they met each other, the sounds reverberating and shaking the small hallway all around them. With the tenth, last swing, the door buckled and Ulundes pushed through.

An arrow whizzed past her ear, clattering harmlessly against the stone wall behind her. Some of the children gave shout. Though Moft held them in place before they could stampede and run, which wasn’t hard. Most froze in fear. Rowena cautioned the children to line against the wall and sit tight.

Ulundes charged in, taking another arrow. She swung her blade at a goblin but it ducked and skipped back.An arrow plinked off of the Bounty Hunter’s armor, but another scored him in his flank. He ripped it out with but a grunt.

Rowena extended her hand, called upon righteous flame but the Goblin side-stepped it. Slippery bastards.

Bounty Hunter barreled for the last gobbo, and sliced it clean in half. Shanston had unentangled himself from several prying children hands quick enough to cast a bolt of magic, one of the goblin’s howled as it leaped away, and died as his feet touched the ground. Fire hurts.

Moft had to squeeze past the children, but at least broke through, and with a surge of energy she made it out of the hallway enough to aim an arrow at the Goblin-Bandit leader. Though it missed. Ulundes charged at him, but he ducked again. Dancing away from her swinging swinging battle-axe. He aimed an arrow for Rowena, but it went wide, and clattered harmlessly to the floor on the opposite wall. Rowena ignited him this time, in righteous fire, he gave a caustic shout, as if it tickled. Shanston prepared another bolt of magic, but it was harmless. Fizzing out against the wall that he struck instead.

Bounty Hunter roared, raising his great sword and charged for him. “Huuuuuaaaaigh!” He screamed, raising the blade over his back, up and over, and SLAM. Goblin patty melt, splattered all across the floor.

After the loud cries of a woman screaming about her children, the decision was made to chase after the wrong doers.
The forest enclosed a large circle, similar to other portals we have seen but to a much grander scale. Over twenty children were secured by the cultists. Moft was further across the way when we approached what appeared to be some sort of ritual. Not sure how much longer this enchantment would take, the only rational action would be to interfere. Running in I struck at the first cultist, the others soon followed in similar actions. Rowena put many of them to sleep, including their head honcho. Making quick work of them during their nap. Rowena noticed the big nasty had a lump in his chest, in a round shape. Ripping it from his chest, she discovered another laklock. But as his life force faded, so did the circle, with many of the children. Moft and BH went in the portal, while Rowena and I remained as we were. Looking at all these children and wondering what on earth to do with them. I’ve never been responsible for anythings life besides my own.

(This was written by Gen, posted it here because I’m OCD and like the things to be on the adventure log. <3)

We returned home for some much needed rest, repairs and to replenish our dwindling stock of supplies. Ulundes spent some time communing with nature in the forest. Shanston went home to assure his parents that he had not been eaten by a dragon or blown up by one of his unpredictable spells. Rowena returned to the temple of Diancecht for a much needed bath and to visit with friends. Bounty Hunter went straight to the Weyward Fey.

We all met at the Weyward Fey for dinner to discuss what to do next now that we had one of the Ley Clach. As we waited for our dinner one of the town’s residents burst in shouting that Father Moorland was being attached. We rushed out to aid him only to be stopped by a demon, a cultist and his minions. Shanston, was not quite himself and kept being felled by the demon. Ulundes and Bounty Hunter were able to stop the cultist and his minions while Father Moorland handled the 3 attackers who had him surrounded. It might be time to have a chat with Father Moorland about why he was being attacked. Maybe over dinner?

No time for dinner. A woman from town shouts THEY’VE TAKENTHECHILDREN!!!! YOUMUSTSAVETHEM!!!

Chosen flies around the room and makes more panthers, Moft shoots him again while others kill panthers.

Chosen flees to a secret entrance, Moft pursues, and kills him with an arrow to the back.
(She takes the Ley Clach) (Also, she didn’t realize he was dead right away, and so she stomped up and down on his body to make sure he didn’t flee while everyone caught up.)
Discovery magical scale armor.

Shanston finds lots of gold.

Moft finds a locked box, opens it and finds a box full of jewels. One is a blue one, that gives off refracts( I think is the right word? ) when it hits the light. The rest she hands over to Rowena.

BH tries on the new armor, Ulundes thinks the armor is cool and pokes at it. They get in a squabble.

They suggest trying to use the Ley Clach, Ulundes suggests maybe it takes someone to be full fey, so she hands it to Ulundes.

After Rowena finished healing Ulundes, Ulundes and Shanston took of after the curly horned goblin. The hallways had many sharp corners at which Ulundes paused briefly to make sure they wasn’t barrelling into a trap or ambush. The goblin shot arrows at Ulundes a couple of times, wounding her and Shanston slipped going down the ladder, but that didn’t slow them down. The chase wound around to the other side of the main hall where Moft was still searching the strange looking goblin that they had killed. As Ulundes realized where they were she shouted to Bounty Hunter and Moft to warn them that the goblin was headed their way. Bounty Hunter lunged at the goblin and grabbed her. Holding the struggling goblin tightly, the 4 made their way back to the main chamber where Rowena was studying the large circle. Rowena determined that both circles were doorways and that they needed to find out more about how the doorways work.
Rowena began questioning the goblin about how the doorways worked. Moft, unsatisfied with the circular answers, darted in and cut off one of the goblin’s toes. Fearing that Moft would kill the goblin before they got answers, Rowena banished Moft to the far end of the room. We learned that the “Chosen” had a stone that was used to operate the larger doorwar, which must be one of the Ley Clach that they were looking for, but could get no further information as to the identity or possible location of the Chosen. The “unchosen” were able to use the small doorway in the other room, but only Vark had the directions to operate it. Unfortunately, it turned out that Vark was the goblin that Bounty Hunter and Moft had killed. Knowing that goblins are not the brightest creatures, we decided to search Vark for the directions and found nothing. Moft, in her childing eargerness to please, had turned over her earlier find of 11 coppers to Rowena. Having found nothing on Vark, Rowena decided to look at the coins. One of the coins had some marks etched on them that turned out to be something written in goblin. Fortunately Bounty Hunter was able to read it and we were able to operate the door.

Holding onto each other to make sure nobody got lost, we stepped through the doorway. It seemed to take a very long time before we reached the end and Bounty Hunter stuck his head through the opening to see where we were and what threats awaited us. We were in a tree several feet above the ground, where 3 goblins were on guard. Bounty Hunter updated us on the situation, we stepped out of the opening and were immediately attacked. Ulundes fell off the branch attempting to leap to the other tree, but was fortunately not hurt. We defeated the guards and made our way cautiously to the ground. After scouting the area to make sure there were no other goblins we found a sheltered area that could be easily guarded where we could heal our injuries and rest.

The Party fights for its life, Moft makes a discovery.

The fleet footed Moft wasted no time in their effort to escape the Goblin arrows. Her elven eyes were sharp in the dim light, immediately going for the first door to her right. Nimble and with the quiet grace of a doe she leaned against the door. The gibbering and chatter of Goblin’s let her know that was not their escape route, dashing further ahead. Disregard for any other tripwires that may or may not be there.

Leaning against the second door, she hears only silence. Excitedly she turned her head to look over her shoulder at her party who lagged behind, waving them over. “Rowena!” She quietly tried to inform them with all haste.

The tumult of goblin footsteps above their heads only grew, enough so that it only increased the panic stricken Moft, escape was all that was on her mind. Another volley of arrows fly through the murder holes, whizzing past the heads of Ulundes and Shanston, the latter giving a shout.

Crrrra-RAK!!

The first two doors on either side of the hall they party had entered crash open, pouring out before the party were a mix of goblin children, bows at the ready, and fierce wizened veteran goblins with spears hobble out. Hissing at the intruders, while Moft watched in a mix of frustration and growing panic. She drew her short-bow. The children aim their arrows, but with a quick warding motion from Rowena their bow’s go askew, their arrows harmlessly bouncing off the floor. It give’s enough time for the Bounty Hunter to land his giant plate-booted foot to smash one of the goblin’s underfoot, while he readies his Maul with a roar.

Thwip! A strangled cry of a goblin whose throat pierced fell to the ground. With the lethal kill she opened the door she was at and ducked inside. A burst of brilliant, white arcane energy conjured at the fingertips of Shanston, who skillfully leads it into the goblin mass before him, dispatching one and wounding another. Ulundes comes up, her great axe powered by her impressive physique, she swings—- and the blow that would have finished off the goblin, instead flew over, and so too, did her weapon. Ulundes came into a crouch fist’s ready for a brawl.

Rowena stood behind her concentration undeterred by the sudden appearance of the goblins, a hand outstretched to the group of children goblins. Whispery words fall from behind her lips as if she spoke from a dream, and they all three fell to the ground asleep.
The wrinkled wizened face of the remaining goblin veterans became surprisingly spry from their previous hobble.

“Hrah!”

“Hehehehiihihi!” The shrill cries of a long haired apparently, female goblin. Her spear lunging forward towards the parties Orc, her sudden speed made him give up ground, stepping back. “Hraaghahagahahaga!” Her laughter turned into a scream as she pushed back the Bounty Hunter. He grunted. Shanston, impressed of himself for dispatching the goblins soon found himself cornered by a wide-eyed green goblin, it jabbed low, scoring him in his leg. He stretched his hand out, warding the blow from doing to severe a damage and giving him a moment’s respite from the goblin. While Ulundes, unaware of the old-woman behind gritted back a scream as a deep red cut found its place just above the side of her hip.

Rowena gave no ground, simply side-stepping a blow meant for her. Moft however, intended to wait out the combat, though she still held onto her bow. Thwip! An arrow bounced off the stone wall behind her, her eyes going wide. She hand’t noticed it before, but even here murder holes lined the back of the room she was in.

“Ruagh!” The bounty hunter gave a shout, swinging his maul for the small goblin-woman, who ducked beneath his blow.

“Ahahagaga!” She mocked him with her constant laughter, the Orc went red in his green face, and with a final cry he used the inertia in his weapon and swung in a full circle. Arking his weapon high, and slamming the maul atop her head, it caved in, right between her shoulders. Crumpling her body into the ground. Ulundes wished to take on the goblin behind her, but she was stuck between two of them. She gave ground, not letting them land a bow, but she and no hope of doing so. When one of their blows missed, she had to dodge the next.

Moft dashed out of the room, her dark hair like a black wind following behind her. She goes for the end of the hall-way. It was her only option left for escape. Her elf eyes gave her ease as she delved further into the goblin-stink ridden hallway. Crates come into her way, she slips past them, as if in a dance she makes not a single mistake, not bumping once into their jagged edges. Their in the center, a small circle of mushrooms cause her to give heed, skirting around it to a large door. Without hesitation, she opens it. Though its locked. With a curse she looks over her shoulder, seeing the battle unfolding behind her. She ducked behind a crate, swallowed by the shadows and hid.

“Shanston, with me!” Rowena gave a rallying cry, and they both charged past the goblins, their blows avoided by the both of them. An arrow drew back, behind the safety of a murder hole. “Argh!” Rowena gripped the arrow that had plunged into her arm, ripping it out with a pained growl.

Ulundes was losing ground, and the last thing she wanted was for her back to be pressed against a wall, she drew a javelin, dodging a blow, she went to strike, “Auah!” She cried, a goblins spear found purchase. She dropped the javelin stumbling back, a hand gripping the wound to keep from her blood slipping away.

“Ruaaagh” A scream came from one of the goblins cornering Ulundes, a great maul dispatching him, he hit the wall with a thud and fell dead.

Moft no longer waiting for her party comes out of the concealment of her hiding place. Lockpicks at the ready, she works on the door’s lock to open it. “Open! Open!” She whispered. There was no way she could turn back now, she and this insane thought the deeper they went the more hope they had of escape. Though in reality, the only safety on her mind was her own, and maybe Rowena’s.

‘Click’ the door was opened in mere seconds of her thoughts, she stood up and flung the doors wide. She winced, the weak torchlight was still bright enough in this dark cave to give her pause. A large circle is drawn in the center of the room, a star and its five points drawn within it, touching the outer circle. She shook her head, no matter. She entered, and went to her right, and there she saw a ledge, a ladder leading up to it.
“The goblins… are..!” It dawned on her, “They’re back here! Quickly!” She shouted loud enough for them to hear, begging for their help.

Shanston heard the call of their elf ‘friend’, looking his shoulder. Hands extended he invoked his power, and sent a barrage of energy into the goblin that came for him. Killing it, its remains a bloody smatter on the ground.

Ulundes to, hears the call. She nods at Bounty Hunter, who returns it. She broke from the last goblin and retrieved her weapon. The Orc leaned back from a blow, and then dispatched their last visible assailant with a vicious swing of his axe.

Rowena, now heeding the call of her friend, rose her hands high. They shimmered a soft golden light as they mended the wounds on Shanston.

Moft had only enough time to look further into the hallway that wound its way on the caves ledge, before an arrow came of the dark. Blossoming a red bloom on her shoulder. She tore it out with a sharp cry, that echoed across the large cave, drawing her short bow and shooting into the dark. Without seeing to see if it found its mark she ran back into the previous hallway, and hid without success behind crates. Clutching her wound desperately.

The party see’s Moft return into the hallway as they all run to their aid, and to finish off the remaining Goblins. Charging heedlessly through the faerie circle of mushrooms, when from all sides arrows shot at them. Moft was spared, out of the sight of the goblins in the corner she found. Those arrows found only one mark, and it was at the backside of their Orc Bounty Hunter. He gave no pause, tearing out the arrow with a grunt.

Moft still clutching her arm, heeded her friends. Though she did not just yet enter the fray.

Shanston was first to enter the large cave room, shooting an arrow of acid from his finger tips at the Goblin that shot at Moft, it narrowly missed.. Ulundes follows shortly after, charging up onto the ledge, climbing up the ladder. She grabs at the ankle of a goblin, throwing it over the ledge. Despite the short fall, landing on its head snapped its neck. Dead. She looks over the lip of the cave-ledge. Only to see a Goblin matriarch with curled horns dash back into the darkened hallway. Gone.

Rowena her battle calm strengthening the resolve of her allies, entered into the cave, turning to the left away from Shanston. She finds a goblin, and invokes her Goddess bursting it in holy-white fire. The goblin gave shrill screams as it ran about, attempting to douse the flame only to fall off the ledge. Where it then burns and smolders into ash.
Followed shortly after her, was the Orc. He charged, and with his arms nearly vaulted onto the edge, stepping up to the two remaining Goblins there. He swings his weapon, and smashing it into the wall.

There standing tall was a blunt horned Goblin, who looked at him with dark glittering eyes. Full of hate and loathing. It hissed. Moft, with her heart strengthened drew her bow and dashed back into the cave. Shooting an arrow at a goblin that had appeared behind Bounty Hunter, the arrow landed, and it fell off the ledge onto the pile of ash. Without wasting a moment she ducked behind the curved cave wall. Away from the sight of the second hidden goblin.

A second goblin came from the darkness that Shanston and Ulundes guarded, the latter finally upon the ledge swung her axe, finding purchase, but so to did it’s dagger in her thigh. Though its blow was not meant with gibbering laughter, but instead scream as an acid arrow bloomed and disintegrated the goblin. Weakened, the Elf-Barbarian descended the rise and the two made for Rowena.

Rowena acknowledges them, and with an arm raised, invoking her Goddess with a prayer mended both her allies. The hidden goblin charged for Bounty Hunter, its throwing axe held high, but it missed its mark, whizzing between the Orc’s legs to clatter harmlessly onto the cave floor. Moft had ducked back out from behind the curved cave wall, and dispatched it with an arrow.

Now it was just the Bounty Hunter, and the blunt horned Goblin. Likely the patriarch. They both swung weapons, but only the Orc’s hit. The goblin bounded back with a hiss. Then darted down the hall way. Rowena saw this, shouting.

“No! Come back!” The bounty hunter charged further, into dark and stink. Moft looked at her allies, and without hesitation charged after Bounty Hunter, leaving behind her short bow on at the foot of the ladder. She moved with uncanny speed, not even hearing the shouts of her friends as she to hurtled into the dark caves, lit only by the gift of her half-elven eyes. Her rapier found its place in her hand, overtaking the Bounty Hunter in her speed and jabbed, blindly. The goblin had barely turned, ducking only seconds away from its throat being skewered. Stopping and swinging so abruptly, Moft hit into the cave wall, a burst of dirt falling atop of her as she fell and into the eyes of her attacker.

Though the incensed goblin was not content, it drew back its cutlass, ready to swing. It came down.

Though not fast enough. Bounty Hunter swung his maul into the face of the Goblin, it flew back, dead, head crumpled inward. The bloody pulp of its body seeping out onto the cave floor.

Our Companions find themselves in an unforgiving situation.

Moft, had stayed behind. After she had dismantled the hastily put together trap, she decided to look for the doorway. While Rowena lead the rest of the party to the top of the waterfall, to build a dam. Midday was sunny, and warm. It felt good on her skin, the sweet Moft thought as she admired the cool waters and the cloudless, blue, sky. Though she was anything but her usual, joyful self. As her companions toiled away making their dam, she thought whilst watching.

Her thoughts were disconcerted, and somber. Grave. They left her stomach in knots, and she bit her lip twice as she argued herself. Blade. This woman was her enemy, for that she was sure. Redcaps, she said that none could fight the Redcaps. Though the Orc believed he was hunting a man by the name of Redcap. What if that was the truth, could her worrying be all for naught? But no, something in the pit of her stomach made her believe that was not so. Either this man who was hunted by the Orc knew something of them, in which case she would dispatch him…
or it was as she feared, and that Blade had sent the Bounty Hunter after a community of Redcaps.

Drawing her knees up close to her chest, watching as the sun beat against her working friends, listening to the roar of the waterfall. Quietly, beneath her breath she promised: “I won’t let them hurt my family. Not ever. Not even Rowena.” Her fists tightened against her dagger. Though at just that moment she gave a start, a glaring, bright light dazed her vision as a ray of ice ran over the now constructed dam, abating the flow of water temporarily.

There it was! The Door! “Rowena! Rowena! Theres an entrance behind the waterfall! Its far above me, we’ll have to jump from the precipice!” The party looked over the cliffside, noting for themselves the appearance of the door as Moft made her way up the mountain.

The Orc wasted no time. grabbing his rope and tying it around a sturdy, thick tree. With his strength he rappelled down to the entrance. Tying it around his waist, and finding a sturdy hand hold as the rest made their way down. There was no incidents, and Rowena kept a watchful eye on the rope to be sure it would not snap. As Moft climbed down into the entrance she made her own way down, stepping onto the landing. The flow of the waterfall began to pick up as the ice melted, and their makeshift damn eroded from the strength of the built up water.

Moft cast one look over her shoulder, as the rest ventured deeper in. Saying a silent goodbye to the bright daylight. When once she was little, she was warned by gentle Breliak.

Wary child, of places dark and deep, thick with stink.
Play where the sun shines, never far from its reach.
For in its absence do the bad things lurk, hungry.
Searching for something to eat.

That warning came to her again, as did a dark thought. Lead them into a trap, she thought. No. No no no. Not yet, Rowena is your friend, Ulundes your friend. With a shake of her head she came back to her senses. The light steadily gave out, and her elf eyes began to adjust to the dark light of the cave, illuminated by the torches of her friends. It was damp, and there was a sweet, cloying smell, then another, more pungent. It smelt like the Bounty Hunters boots after a day’s march, and then, something fouler. Something, she had come to recognize in the depths of the Coille Forest as a child. Goblin Stink.

Her heart began to thump in her ears. Lub dub, Lub dub. She allowed a shaky breath to escape her lips, to calm herself down. She gasped aloud quickly, slipping on a slimy piece of cave moss. Maintaing her balance by grabbing hold of Rowena who gave her a stern look. Quiet, the look said.

They descended further into the cave, slower as they came upon the slick, slimy ground. Their travel boots threatening to slip away beneath them. Lub dub, Lub dub. Her eyes looked around wide in the dark, though despite her elven sight she felt like she saw nothing at all. At last, they came into a chamber, the party spreading about. Moft was wary to stand in the center, uncertain of this area. How the water dripped from the ceiling, her boots deep in dank, dark waters that came to Bounty Hunters ankles. It was cold to, but in the dim light they could all see the crates piled high.

Rowena spoke, “From the Caravans…” She looked around the area, wary. “How could they have gotten here, into this waterfall of all places?” She looked further into the dim light, to see the dim outline of a doorway leading deeper.

“Augh! IT’S AN AMBUSH!” The Orc shouted, as an arrow bounced off his armor and another whizzed by Shanston’s head. He ducked shortly, eyes wide as he raised his hands in preparation of an incantation. Though it was to no avail, the Goblins hid away behind the crates. They were sitting ducks.

Bounty Hunter wasted no time in his effort, sloshing through the shallow fetid waters, jumping atop a crate and shouting. He waved his axe-wielding arm wide, in an effort to reveal the Goblin but it made no matter. Ulundes followed shortly behind him, vaulting over the crates and throwing her brutish weapons, upturning crates and scattering merchant goods into the foul waters beneath them. Twang! An arrow flew past Ulundes from the other side, the goblin whose bow it came from dipping behind the crates again. Another, now behind Bounty Hunter rose from his hidden position and scored an arrow deep into the Orc’s back. Who in turn, howled his frustration, spinning in a circle to retaliate to only hit the empty air where the goblin once was.

Moft was about ready to flee, to follow the advise of her adopted mother, Breliak. Though she sturdied herself. She was no Redcap Maiden, she was a simple girl, who only wanted to do what was right. With her elf eyes, she calmed herself, focusing in the dark. There. The slimy green goblin was between two crates, it’s arrow aimed right for… Rowena!

“There! THERE! Kill it quick!” She screamed, and Shanston, his arms raised high, invoked a word of a power, a spark of arcane missiles launched towards the revealed goblin. The arcane energy ripped the green scoundrel apart, he was a wet smear against the wall, and a mess of carnage now floating in the waters. It was Ulundes who shouted next!

“Leave him to me. He is not to come under harm.” She gave a stern look to her followers, daring them to test her. When they had sheathed their weapons, she allowed them to tie the goblin up, taking away his weaponry. Moft, however had a better idea. Her hands deep in his pockets, with a delighted gasp she held her hand aloft!

“Look what I found!” She laughed uncontrollably, "Shiny rocks!’

Rowena shook her head, “Those are silver co— never mind.” She said with a sigh, “Search the crates.” She ordered. The party did as much, and confirmed Rowena’s earlier suspicion.

“This is the same cargo that was stolen from the ruined caravan on the road we took to Deanadachd, Rowena.” Shanston said, “Though one question remains, how did they get it all up here? There must be some other entrance.” Rowena remained quiet for a time, and with a firm shake of her head she inwardly decided something.

“Wake the prisoner.” She commanded, and Ulundes was more than happy to comply. A quick kick to the head and a punch to the gut had the goblin sputtering awake. He looked up wide at first, startled, only for his features to become smug. When he spotted the large Orc however, the barely put together act faltered. “Who do you work for.”

“Breya.”

“Who is Breya?”

“The one.”

She breathed in and out, slowly. Patience. She told herself. “The one who?”

“The chosen one.” He nodded slowly, as if she was being the difficult one.

“What is your purpose.”

“To guard the front gate. This gate, in fact.” He nodded chipperly, it appeared that he was no longer intimidated. In fact, it almost looked as if he was confident in the whole situation. Bounty Hunter looked him over once, noting a small irregularity.

“Rowena.” He said in his gruff voice, whispering in her ear. “He has tusks. Goblins don’t have tusks.”

Ulundes with her sharp ears picked up the whisper, “You are not fey. Why is it you have tusks?”

He spoke again, grinning. “I was chosen.”

Something came to Rowena at that moment, speaking up. “How did you get all these crates up here?”

“The chosen one willed them to be here.” He nodded sagely.

“Do you know of the ley clach then? Does Breya have a ley clach?”

“He is chosen one.” The goblin repeated.

“Enough. Where is Breya?”

“Breya comes… when Breya wishes.”

“What is down that doorway?”

“Home. In the dark.” He looked gravely at Rowena.

“Is that where the Caravneers are? What did you do with them?”

“We brought them here.” He stated.

“How many of you are here?”

The goblin did not answer, instead laughing. A sputtering mad, laugh. “Breya will save me. You will die. There is no hope.”

Ulundes interjected the questioning. “I suggest you speak, we are the ones in power here. We could crush your skull.”

Rowena rose a hand in caution. “No. Im not finished.”

“Oh, but I’m finished with you!” He giggles madly again, his body shaking in his restraints as he finds his glee.

The Orc came forward, “Talk!”

Shanston spoke up, unexpectedly. “Did you… hear that? I heard something.” They all paused, hearing the soft patter of steps. They all cast a glance down the doorway, as the goblin continued to laugh.

“I’ll look ahead.” Moft looked at them all, “I can hide well in the dark. They won’t find me, and I can tell you what I see.”

Rowena furrowed her brows, beginning to shake her head no. Until the Orc spoke up.

“Let the girl go. See if she’s as capable as she says she is.” With the vote of confidence from Bounty Hunter, she gave a quick nod, and just like she said slipped into the dark as if she was part of it.

She came down a small series of steps, until she came to a long winding hall way. Not a soul present, except for four doors and… a tripwire! Her elf eyes examined it quickly, a small series of bells attached. Good thing she caught that, she thanked herself.

Meanwhile the party remained, they stayed silent awaiting Moft to return. Though it became calm, even their cackling prisoner had become subdued and silent. Twang! Twooong! Arrows bounced off the Bounty Hunters armor.

“Where did those arrows come from?” Rowena shouted, as she looked around.

Ulundes pointed above them. “There! They have us trapped! Look!” She raised her battle axe high, and slammed it hard onto the knees of their goblin prisoner. Nearly severing his legs from the knee down. He gave a shrill, animal scream, twisted in pain.

Above them, at the very ceiling there were murder holes, a handful of arrowheads poking out the uncountable amount of holes.

“Go! Go!” The Orc shouted, and the party rushed. Moft hearing the alarm from up ahead in the dark turned to look over her shoulder.

“Not yet! I don’t perform under pressure!” She cursed beneath her breath, her shaking hands working to disable the tripwire. Their footfalls and the sounds of arrows bouncing off the room behind her. She let out one shaky breath and… “Yes! I did it!” She turned her head just in time to see the harried faces of her companions.

Before we left Deanadachd we went to buy healing potions and thieves tools for Moft. Do you want to know why I was the only one with money to buy things? I am the only one WHO CAN’T BUYBEER!!!!! We then went to the Brigantia temple and talked with a door guarder named Trifia. (My job naming ability is the goodest.) She knew things I didn’t know—knew things about stuff. We then talked with somebody named Agrefena and paid some dough to read books and stuffs. I think Moft stole a book, but honestly I wasn’t paying much attention. There were words and books; that sort of thing. We found out stuffs about the ley clach thingers. The main one has float-y thingers around it and stuff. The others don’t.

We then left town with a caravan and it was Gaelan. Nothing much happened on the way back. It got warmer and stopped raining. It was boring.

So we decided next to find that cave by a waterfall. We all knew about the waterfall three days into the forest. On the way we saw wolves and I heroically killed one of them. We finally found the waterfall but we didn’t see a cave. I had some important ideas and was the real mvp.

And that’s how it ended. Wait. How am I telling you this, Trina? I’m not back yet. This is actually a dream sequence where I’m talking to a barkeep that won’t serve me beer. I have the most boring dreams ever.

Moft had taken an arrow to the knee and was bleeding out on the ground. Using the last Health pot BH healed her to full. He turned around, looking for the foes once more, and took another shot in the chest. He stumbled, barely not falling to the floor himself. He turned to tell Moft to run, and found nothing where she had lain just moments before. He wanted to find her but one more shot would kill him for sure. He had to get out of there. He sprinted down the road toward the temple. Hoping she made it out ok. The group would kill him if she died.

Luckily Moft met him at the temple. apparently she had sheathed, killed one of the bowmen and made the other flee. BH doubted that she could accomplish such a task but he did not argue.

It was time to spill the beans. When they get back to the temple BH explained everything to the rest of the group. There was guild war going on in the city. His contractor was in trouble and he wished to figure out what was going on. At that moment he saw a figure on the roof and an arrow was fired into the tree they were standing next to. Attached to the arrow was a note. The note asked them to come back at midnight and to be alone. the party agreed to wait till midnight.

Midnight stuck. While Moft was still pulling splinters out of her self ( her attempt to hide in a bush did not go well), a stranger entered their midst. The person who landed from the tree was Blade. BH’s contractor. She had obviously gone mad. With a twitch in her eye she told BH that he needed to quit wasting time and kill Redcaps. She was very closed mouthed about why and how, but she did finally say where. North she said, go north to the lights.

After talking with Jorros we headed back to the Inn for dinner and a good nights rest. Ulundes, who prefers to spend her nights outdoors left the inn after dinner and the rest of us went to our rooms to sleep. The next morning we all meet up for breakfast and to make plans on how best to continue our search for the Ley Clach. Ulundes came in looking damp from sleeping outside in the rain, but she didn’t seem to mind it. Moft and Bounty Hunter both look like they got little sleep. This is nothing new for Moft since she likes to go exploring at night. It is unusual for Bounty Hunter who usually looks well rested in the mornings, but he doesn’t say anything.

Over breakfast we discuss plans to return to the cave near Coisir to begin our search for the Ley Clach. Bounty Hunter announces that he has some business to take care of here in Deanadachd before he leaves. Moft became very agitated that we were thinking of returning to Coisir leaving Bounty Hunter to go off on his own because we didn’t know what he was doing or what his motives were. We offered assistance which he refused. He didn’t want to talk about what this business was that he wanted to take care of and clearly did not want us involved so I suspect he was completing one of his contracts and didn’t want us tagging along to slow him down. Moft decided to tag along anyway. We told Bounty Hunter that we would wait for him at the Diancecht temple where he could meet us or send word and we would meet him.

We made our way to the Diancecht temple where we could get lodging in trade for small chores and an opportunity to make use of their library to do some research on Fey, Ley lines and the Ley Clach stones that we are searching for. I am also very interested in learning more about the Dream Domain that was given to me by Diancecht. Has this every happened before? In return for our food and lodging I help out in the infirmary while Shanston and Ulundes assist in the gardens. We spend our free time talking with the the other residents and making use of their library.

Meanwhile elsewhere… Bounty Hunter and Moft get ambushed by bandits. Moft is downed in one shot. Bounty Hunter rushes to stand guard over her and dispatch the attacking bandits. The bandit on the ground quickly realized he was at great disadvantage and rushed off to report to his superiors. The remaining 2 bandits remained on the roof to continue to attack their prey from a safe distance.

We've found Keen, but still no Joros!

Day broke, it was bright despite the clouds that drifted overhead like mounds of cotton suspended in the depthless blue skies. The party woke in their own rooms with a gentle breeze that carried with it the scents of a freshly baked goods from the Salty Shepherds kitchen. Dressed, alongside a de-loused Moft, the party made it’s way to the common rooms. Where a small breakfast was had, to discuss the days upcoming events.

“I just don’t see why you can’t wear anything nice. Furs and bones are going to attract attention, and all the bad sorts.” Rowena cautioned of Ulundes who only shook her head as she swallowed her bread down with a gulp of her ale.

“S’not matter to me, or any of them what I wear. She can wear her pretty dresses.” She gestured to Moft with a sharp finger, who was to busy feeding a colony of ants that made home in a corner of the inn. “I’ll wear my armor. Don’t know about any of you but with so many people in one place… I wouldn’t put it past any of them to try and slip a dagger if I wore anything else.”

With a shake of her head, Rowena gave in. “Matter’s settled then. We’ll continue on to the High City, minus Shanston of course. There seemed to be some mixup, he said he’d have it all worked out before the days out. You sure you won’t come?” She gave a look to the Bounty Hunter, already into his third ale.

“I’ll keep an eye out for the gnome. Ask around.” The orc stated. Ulundes only rolled her eyes.

“Moft, we’re leaving!” Rowena called out.

“Coming!” She placed the remnants of her bread on the ground, which earned a dire glare from Lucretia, but despite her annoyance she found a fondness for the girl. Deep down, of course. She’d make her clean up the common rooms when she returned that night. She watched from behind her bar as the trio left the bar, and came round to the Bounty Hunter to replenish his ale. He’d be drunk before noon.

High City *

This part of the city was by far the most crowded, and the trio was given a great deal of scrutiny from the bureaucrats and city officials. A woman who acted more a young girl, a dress of blue dancing about and singing as if all by herself? Mad, clearly. A barbarian, ELF of all sorts carrying her weapon alongside her travel-worn hides? There, leading the party was a Priestess of Dianchect. The pairing of the three had the look of a circus.

“Moft, come back here, and walk beside me!” Rowena called out, the tone in her voice more akin to an irritated mother, and when she refused to listen as soon as the girl came in arms reach she took hold of her and held her wrist so that she couldn’t skip about the streets.
“You’re going to bump into someone or something, take care.” She chastised, Moft on the other hand was to busy admiring the architecture of the city, and the clothing the people wore as they passed. The usually talkative woman was in silent awe at the amount of people and diversity.

The party continued to walk, up until they reached the square. Ulundes and Rowena pointing out a man standing upon a performers stage, juggling a great deal of colorful pins. The scar across his nose marked hi undeniably as the man Keen, the one whom they sought. He would know where Joros is.

“What do you think, Rowena?” The barbarian woman asked.

“I thi— Moft!” Was all she could say as the dark haired girl in her bright blue dress slipped through the crowd of on-lookers.

She moved as if a rabbit, bounding ontop of the stage. Keen looked on at her in confusion, as she reached up, took hold of the few pins in flight and began her own juggling. Her laughter was like the bubble of a running river as she took place beside him. The crowd were amused by the girls interruption, the skilled Keen continued his juggling, whilst Moft struggled to juggle to two that she had taken. At the very least she had the grace to smile and laugh and appear with the confidence of a performer!

“Look at this, folks! The trollop’s decided to give juggling a try! Not anything new for her I suppose?” The crowd jeered from the crude bit of wit on the jugglers part, not at all pleased with her surprise entrance.

“What’s a trollop?” Moft replied, earning her another round of laughter as she struggled to continue juggling. Ulundes however, had made her way to the foot of the performers stage.

“If you ask me she’s made the show the better.” The crowd applauded the elf-womans frank attitude. The bold comment had irritated the juggler enough he called off the show.

“That’s all for today, friends! I’ll be back here tomorrow, same time, bring the kids!” He called out, putting away his juggling pins, and then reaching out for Moft’s remaining pins whom was reluctant to hand over. One hidden behind her back, while she tried to hand him the other one.

“I know how many I have!” He said, incredulous of the girls simpleness.

“It’s my favorite color, please!” She begged as he wrenched the last one from her grip. Pouting.

“Ah! Sir, you must forgive her, Moft truly is a child at heart. She was only wanting to have fun!”

“So long as she doesn’t expect a share of the coin, no harm’s done… I suppose.” He folded his arms. “Well, what? Why are you still here?”

“Do you go by the name of Keen?”

“Whose asking?”

“Pardon, sir. I am Rowena, Priestess of Dianchect and these are my companions, Ulundes, and as you have already met, Moft.” She gestured to each woman respectively. “Please, we are in need of some information. Lucretia gave us your description, and told us where we may be able to find you.”

“Right, what can I do for you?” His attention earned from the mention of the inn-keeper. Though there was a grain of suspicion he gave Rowena.

“I believe it would be more prudent to speak in private. It’s in regards to Joros, we mean no harm that I can assure you.”

“If it’s about Joros then I suppose you’re right. Come on then.” He had decided to trust the woman, and her strange traveling companions. Leading them to a secluded area, with few people milling about.

Once settled, Rowena procured a note from her pocket. “We found this in a locked box at Joros’s home. It was ransacked by a strange, lice-covered creature. It says ‘Speak with Keen’. We were hoping if you might be able to help us find him.”

“Im not in the habit of revealing friends to strangers. Why are you looking for him?”

After a moment of consideration on Rowena’s part she decided it would be best to be upfront with him. “Something is happening. We were part of the Ritual of the Land, performed by Father Moorland at our home town of Còisir. What we saw there… was disturbing to say the least. The Ley Clach have been taken, and in all honesty we do not know. Though they need to be returned, but even to where we do not know. We had heard from a friend that Joros knows a great deal about fey and lore. He’s our only lead.”

“Well, Joros would be the one gnome to go to for anything in regards to fey.”

Moft pitched in, “So you’ll tell us where he is?”

“I don’t know where he is.” He folded his arms, “None of his friends do, fey can charm people into revealing someones disguise or location. He’ll avoid fey at all costs, and he’s the one man who even could.” He paused, “Your cause seems noble enough, though. I’ll tell you what I do now. Joros had been studying people, figuring out to make a disguise.”

Moft brightened suddenly, something clicking in her head. “Rowena! The description of the Half-Elves, that must be what he’s disguised as!”

Rowena gave a look of approval to Moft, nodding her head in encouragement. Next, she offered a book to Keen. It was in a strange language, nothing written by mortal hands. “Can you read this, by chance?”

Keen shook his head, “Sorry, I’m just a street performer. I’m willing to bet someone I know can, and I’m sure you already know who I am thinking of.”

“Thank you for your help, Keen.” With a tip of her head the party left.

When they returned to the Salty Shepherds Inn, they spoke right away with the Orc bounty-hunter what they had come to know. Moft was the first to voice her concern. “Rowena, this is pointless! How will we find one disguised man, who may be using magic to aid him in his disguise? Without Shanston theres no chance. I say we go elsewhere, there’s other places we can investigate!”

Rowena turned to her, procuring a small list. “Remember this?” The list had odd things written on it. A variety of wood, whistling, salt, red-sash. Many more. “We need only find a half-elf who meets the descriptions on here. As many half-elves as their are in this city, not all of them would be wearing, or doing whats described here. These are all things that discourage and repel fey. Joros will be doing that.”

“Salt’s on that list.” Moft scrutinized. “There’s a whole district for the salt-trade in this city.”

“As does running water.” Ulundes points out.

The Bounty Hunter spoke, the first time since they returned. “We should split up.”

“No.” Rowena cautioned, “We know already the fey can disguise and lurk in any corner, if we split up we’re at risk.”

“I agree with BH!” That earned a glare from the Bounty Hunter, it was his agreed upon nickname, but he didn’t like it. “I’ll take the salt district.”

“I’ll take the river that runs through the city.” Ulundes put in.

“No! Is anyone listening to me? If we’re splitting up lets at least do so in pairs. Ulundes, since the river runs close to the Salt District, why don’t you and Moft search together?”

“I do not baby-sit.” The elf stated.

“I can go on my own! Im sure I could make plenty of friends to help us find Joros!”

“Fine.” Ulundes, resigned and reminded of the innocence of Moft, thought it would be best she look after the girl despite her indifference for her. The last thing we needed was a dead girl to bring home with them to Còisir.

The party finally having agreed upon their course of action, set out their separate ways keeping to their pairs.

“What should we be on the lookout for?” BH asked of Rowena.

“Look for holy symbols, like the one I’m wearing or of another diety. I’ll see it before you do. Whistling, too. Red ribbon, clothing turned inside out. Bells that jingle. Those were all on the list.” The started their search in Old Town, and had little luck. There was one half-elf they spoke to who wore the holy symbol of Brigantia. The god of footbridges.

“Sir! Excuse me!” Rowena called out, but he continued to walk away. Shaking his head.

“I don’t want to buy anything.”

“I’m not selling anything, could I ask you a question?”

“No!” He stated firmly, he seemed like he was in a rush.

“Do you know anything ago—”

“I don’t want to talk!” He wheeled around, putting up a hand in caution. Then turned and continued on his way.

The due were not deterred however and continued their search. Midday was turning into evening, and it was beginning to get dark. On the corner of a street, the found a man whose clothing was a mess. His garments were to dirty to discern if they were red in color, or inside out, so the Priestess approached.

“Hello there. My names Rowena, a devout priestess of Dianchect.” She bowed her head. The half elf regarded her with a smile and a curt nod.

“What’s got you down on your luck?” The gruff voice of the bounty hunter came out.

“I was fired at work. I used to work at the docks, but I drank to much.” He seemed as if he was going to say more, but didn’t.

Rowena offered him bread, and a drink from her water skin. By then, she had examined his clothes, they were just dirty, and they weren’t inside out either. This definitely wasn’t Joros. “Thank you for your time.” They left, and continued their search until the day was out.

Moft and Ulundes on the other hand, had been walking alongside the river all day until they reached the salt district. Evening was there, and the workers were quiet, tired from the days out. The elf, and half-elf Moft both had their ears pricked for the sound of bells chiming and whistling in the otherwise somber crowd of people leaving the district.

It was indeed quiet, the workers were ready to return to their families or reach a bar to begin the nights drinking. The first two blocks were quiet, it wasn’t until they reached the third block did Ulundes ears prick up, she had heard whistling. Directing Moft, they both made their way to the center square. There, in the opposite corner was a dirty, homeless man. It was clear he was of elven descent, Ulundes being an elf would of pegged the half-elf for a human for his features. Though Moft being a half-elf herself could accurately identify him. Unlike Rowena’s encounter with the homeless, this man was oddly dressed, red ribbon clearly displayed. A wooden staff recognizable as one of the few make of wood to repel fey, and not common for any walking cane.

“This has to be him!” The had ducked against a wall, in the shade to keep discreet.

“What’s the plan?” Ulundes asked.

“I’ll go speak to him, I’m the friendlier of us two.” Ulundes could only agree with Moft’s statement, allowing he to begin her walk. Before Moft could even get half way, and the man could clearly see her reaching a hand out in greeting to him he darted off like a hare. Ulundes, didn’t have to hesitate and was on him like a wolf, chasing him down a the same street he did with Moft just a foot behind. Though it was to no avail, the man was gone. The salt across the street disguising his tracks.

“Now what!” Ulundes barked, agitated that they didn’t try to sneak up on the man instead.

“We should search for him!” Moft said, “We can find him!”

“He could be anywhere, theres hundreds of warehouses here, some of them could connected to each other. We’ve lost him.”

“Well I’m not going back. I’ll stay here, you tell the rest what I’m doing and that I’ll be back in the morning.”

“No.”

“I am not leaving! We’re to close!”

“Fine, but if you get ambushed by a pack pixies, you’ve got yourself to blame.” Ulundes left the stubborn Moft, who relying on her years of training under the trolls. Became part of the shadows, it was if she wasn’t even there. So while the party reunited at the Salty Shepherds Inn, enjoyed a hot meal, and a nights rest. Moft remained awake all night.

She saw few people, and none that had the same face as the man she meant to greet. Dawn broke, and she returned.

Once there, she devised several plans to try and weed out the disguised gnome, Joros. Though they were shot down.

“Joros cannot be in it for himself! What if I go disguised, a panic, stricken young woman whose being hunted by fey, just like he is!”

“Or you can just go as a woman of the night.” Ulundes suggested.

“No! Out of the question, and what would a whore be doing out in the day?” Rowena questioned.

“I could get a share of the profits.” BH commented, perhaps seeing some profit in it.

“We’re not actually doing that, it’s supposed to be a disguise, and in any case we aren’t doing it.”

“Fine, then I suggest we make search rounds around the district.” Moft began, looking at a map of the city’s salt district. Circling four sections, with the center square in the middle. “We each take a corner of the district and search, every thirty minutes we meet at the center and see if he’s there and to check in on each other.”

“He’s probably left the salt district.” Ulundes reasoned.

“Well I don’t see anyone else coming up with ideas, so its either this or we should leave!”

“We aren’t leaving, Moft. We need to protect Còisir, our home!”

Moft didn’t say anything in reply to Rowena.

The party continued talking in circles, until finally they agreed to return to the Salt District, wearing worker’s clothing. Carrying concealed weapons, with them and searching each four sections dictated by Moft.

They had decided upon a whistle, to call out for each other should they find him. It wasn’t until midday did Ulundes spot the man at the opposite corner he was at last night, she whistle, and with her mighty barbarian lungs, it carried to the ears of her party members. Though so too, did the half-elf. He turned around to see the elven woman, and dashed down a street to escape.

The party raced to reach Ulundes, who in turn raced to catch Joros. Though he had left her sight.

Matt is typing (otherwise this would not happen)

This is the sworn and true testimony from Shantson Smithwork, arrested for underage drinking at the Salty Shepherd Inn.

We entered Déanadachd on the xx of xx, Dalon the Caravan Master paid us, and we were set free to find Jorros the bard. We did not find Jorros. We did find Jorros’ apartment. The apartment was in either good shape or bad shape. We looked for stuff and found a thing in a box. We killed it with a box. Moft got lice. Rowena was drunk.

Later I was picked up for underage drinking, but it was a misunderstanding. I ordered a ROOT beer, but the barkeep misheard me. And I’m old enough to drink anyway! Can I call my lawyer now?

We started out bright and early with the caravan. The first day was uneventful except for Moft’s glee over the rain. Moft’s glee over the rain lessened with the 2nd day of steady rain and she complained about being wet and cold. Over the rain we heard the sound of a boar charging right at me, just 60’ away. Ulundes leapt into action stopping the boar’s charge at the risk of her own health. It was then we noticed that 2 more boars were charging our way. Moft, Shanston and I attacked the boars, then Bounty Hunter noticed we were being attacked and joined the battle. Eventually the boars were dealt with and all the injuries were treated, the more grievous ones requiring some healing magic. We had roasted boar for dinner that night.

The next couple of days were uneventful except for walking through rain and worsening mud. The next day dawned with glorious sunshine. We continued on the road as it curved around to the west. As we rounded a hill we could see the smoking remains of another caravan. Ulundes & Moft went ahead to investigate while Bounty Hunter, Shanston and I stayed with the caravan. After a short time I noticed movement near the other caravan that seemed to be more than just Ulundes who had reached the area by this time. I told the others and rushed to investigate with Bounty Hunter and Shanston close on my heels. As we arrive at the caravan we are attacked by arrows and notice that Ulundes is down. As we defend ourselves and try to make it to our fallen comrade, Moft is struck and went down as well, but managed to shoot an arrow, killing the goblin as she went down. We eventually defeat the rest of the attacking goblins. While I tend to all the injuries, the others inspect the caravan. Everyone has been killed by arrows and the caravan had been left to burn itself to ash. I joined the search after all injuries are tended to. As we are searchedthrough the caravan for anything worth salvaging I found an ebony lock box securely attached to one of the wagons. It is obvious that whoever attacked the caravan had tried to remove it. Moft was able to remove the box from the wagon and pick the lock. Inside there were documents in some language that none of us could read. We think maybe it could be dwarvish, primordial or deep speech. It was obviously a courier box as it had a note on top that read "To LK from FM” We put the documents back into the box and take it with us.

I found myself wondering why the ditzy half elf was talking to the shadows and the wind: Moft I think her name was; perhaps they spoke something to her that other ears could not follow. I could not distract myself with such meaningless creatures though, something deeply disturbing had come to my attention. After gathering the water something caught my eyes, there were people; tens, dozens of them perhaps but none were dead. They were all breathing and tied to the bottom with kelp. I managed to cut one loose as my lungs were burning, craving the oxygen I had deprived them of for a short time.
Once above water there were questions, asking where this secondary being came from. I had nothing more to say than to tell them of the other bodies below. But the one of which I had just grabbed spoke up to speak of his name, Fondue he said, a bard. Uninteresting to my taste, too noisy. The priestess Rowena and what seemed to be her sidekick Shandston both questioned him. The bounty hunter was particularly quiet, considering he was a sunflower.
Unbeknownst to any of us, small creatures started to appear from nowhere, but to any less observant creature they would appear as small lights or fireflies. They were none other than mischievous pixies, looking for a fight. After many tries at being a mushroom and Fondues attempt at being a rock, Rowena being the only one on a mission attempted to talk to the creatures. “people are ugly so they make the world ugly, so we had to get rid of them” these vile creatures put them on the bottom of the lake! at least they had the decency to put a breathing spell on them. Rowena being the heroic person she is decided to appease them and try to prove that not all creatures create ugly things. Shandston tried to whittle a stick, and they were not pleased, I tried to make a flower crown, but with the rough hands I have it just looked like shredded leaves, Rowena managed to create a statue and it was beautiful enough that they let us go.
Rescuing the rest of the lake survivors we sent them to the town, I’m sure they needed a good pint or twelve. On the return however Rowena and I both noticed some glowing rocks to the west. While she sat and decided on what to do I went ahead and followed this path, it must lead to something. After some time I heard Moft and Rowena behind me. I slowed my normal pace so they could catch up to me. Further down we found a shack. A run down old home. no one to be seen, no one seemed to have been there in a while, if someone has been living there, they have been hiding it well. After that side adventure we make it back to town. Rowena anxious for her ritual we headed off to the temple after finding our separated companions. We watched this man as he spewed languages we didn’t understand seeing all sorts of colors, ones I never knew existed, and then it seemed like darkness filled, as he spoke dark languages, convulsed and lay on the ground. Unconscious. “Is that how its supposed to go?” I asked
“No, not at all” said Rowena

Mischief is in the air, can anyone else smell it?

Wayward Fey

The day had been long, and caravans just arriving found their way to the Wayward Fey, filling their mugs and relaxing after a long travel. Townfolk also found their place their,nursing drinks from the sole tavern in town. Trina was watching the the crowd from behind her bar, her features warm to each traveler and caring towards those who frequented the bar. Though her eyes did linger a little long over Rowena and her strange party that she had been hanging around with these past few days. Though no complaint was raised, and carrying on with business as usual, had the barmaid get them drinks to nurse.

Moft quick like a butterfly saw the tension in the room, and with her eager disposition set off to befriend the traveling merchants. Followed closely by Rowena, while Moft ordered herself a drink next to the Caravaners, the leader of their party made a sharp cry. “Moft! Put that down!”
Who turned to look at Rowena with a scowl, placing the spoon back on the plate of the man she sat next to. He hadn’t even realized, but no harm was done. The lass was pretty enough for his liking and her wide smile disarmed him.

However the short outburst had left Moft slightly disoriented, having forgotten her question. “So… why are you all here is Còisir?” She asked with a wide, awkward, smile. Embarrassed. They laughed at the girl.

“What else would we be here for? Just rest, lass. Been to long on the road, take a weeks time.” With that, Moft continued, recalling her question.

“You seem like you had a long journey, something the matter?” Her brows furrowed with worry, a man nodded across from her.

“Just north we’ve seen strange lights, from the woods.”

“Ah! You know those are just fireflies, middle of summer!”

The man retorted with a scowl, “Ain’t no firefly shine that bright, that’s for damned sure!”

Moft could only laugh, "That’s right! For all you know it could of been giant-fireflies, then we’d surely be in trouble. Another man spoke up, before the wounded individual could speak any further.

“South theres been talk of bandit attacks, must be some new company… though. Organized, they get the job done efficiently. Had to take off with the horse myself to speak of the tale.”
Moft rose notably from her chair, looking as if to speak. Though the man continued, “Saw that Bounty Hunter nursing the ale over there, friend of yours I take it? Well, speak to Dalon, and he might have work for him and your likes. Could use a hired hand.”

Rowena close on her heels, they returned to the table nestled in the corner. Ulundes refused to sit anywhere else, she had to sit in the darkest corner of the tavern. While the Bounty Hunter, and Shanston nursed drinks of their own.

“You need to talk to Dalon. Find out about the job offer, and get us the job.”

The orc scowled, “Why.”

Moft rolled her eyes, “Don’t you want gold? Just do as I ask.”

“Perhaps you should discuss with the Priestess?” At that moment another Priestess came by, pulling Rowena aside and speaking quietly.

“She’s right behind me, if she didn’t like it she would of said something” She paused, looking back and finding out that she was not after all behind her. Rowena after having finished speaking to the Priestess coming up, requested that we leave. Moft agreed, but only if they spoke with Dalon right after. The rest of the party joined along, welcomed by the Head Healer, Phiala.

Field Hospital

Phiala and Rowena made the customary ritual of greeting for the Priestesses of Diancecht, and they begun their discussions with all haste. “Rowena, Father Moorland has agreed to perform the ritual of the land.” At this, Rowena gave a wide smile, relieved. “As you know however, this requires reagents from the pond. Now, if you cannot do it I fully understand. Though seeing as you are so want for the woodlands, I thought I ask you first.”

“Of course I will go, Phiala. It is only my duty.” She stepped away, just enough to confer with her companions in private, where Moft turned on her.

“Rowena! We didn’t even talk to Dalon!”

“You wanted me to talk to Dalon!” The orc interrupted, Moft scowled, to speak back at him.

“Only because you’re the only one with any experience to take on jobs! What would they think if I.” She gestured to herself, in her homespun dress, “Asked about the job? They’d laugh at me.” Rowena nodded her agreement in Moft’s statement but was unconvinced to speak to Dalen.

“That doesn’t matter. We don’t even know them Moft! Their merchants, simply taking advantage of travelers swindling them of their hard earned money.”

Moft pressed, “Not true! They’re people like you and I! Besides, they’ll be killed, who else in town could offer them protection?”

Rowena shaking her head as if chastising a child. “This is your home, Moft. Who are they? We need to find out if something is wrong with the land.”

“I agree with the Priestess, the Coille Forest must have this ritual performed, so that we may know how best to help.” Ulundes added to the conversation. Shantson stood beside her.

“Moft, im not saying you have to go with me. I was only going to ask if you would accompany me, and it looks as if Ulundes and Shantson already decided.”

Moft turned to the Orc, “You won’t get paid if you go with the Priestesses.”

The Orc rose his brows, “Gold or I’m out.”

With an audible sigh, Rowena returned to Phiala, and after a few moments came back.

“They’ll pay the party in silver, and you can have my share.” Moft turned, admitting defeat.

“You can have my share to.” The dark haired child said, and the party left to prepare for the trek to the Pond and back.

The Trail

They had walked long into the day, Ulundes keeping ahead of the main party by a hundred yards. Moft and Shantson were flanked by Rowena leading the point, and the bounty hunter in the back. There was little event, outside of the unusual plant growth, which in all honesty Moft preferred. Otherwise, their was nothing out of place, the sun shined, animals kept their distance, birds played their songs.

It wasn’t until a battle cry sounded did we realize that something was amiss. There was no question about it, Ulundes had found trouble, and engaged. The party leapt into action, charging ahead with great speed. Moft, on the other hand, froze. She breathed in deep, and with a burst of speed darted off the trail and into the thick wood. She concealed herself, looking ahead to see what lay before.

Cut in literal half on the ground was a twisted, spiney creature, sap poured from its fatal wound that Ulundes had dealt it. While the other to slow to react from the ambush, found her axe cutting it in two next. The party continued their haste, off in the distance a plantblight (unknown to them what it was) prepared its nettle shower. Moft pressed on, but the thought of that more of those could very well be hiding in there with her was enough to cause her to forget all the teachings of her troll-family. Crack! Pop! Tssh! Went the foliage and twigs about her, crashing about as loud as an infant, she crouched down, but had there been a creature it would know where she was without a shadow of doubt.

From behind her, a large vine shot out at Ulundes, though she was quick, bringing her axe in a downward swing she nearly chopped it in half, but it persisted and what growth she had chopped out, more vines came in to grapple her. It thrashed her about wildly, and as she struggled to find release, a spray of nettle consumed her. She cried out, going limp in the grip of the vines. Shantson was the first to react, casting a a burst of flame in the face of the plant blight, dousing it in fire. Then came the Orc, charging past the vines preparing a devastating swing for the plant-blight. The vine relinquished its hold on Ulundes, Rowena was there, and duty-bound as a healer leapt out of the way and with a holy utterance brought back the Elven Barbarian from the clutches of fatality. Moft, gave heart, seeing the courage of her friends. Finding her place among the woodlands again, she crept along from a distance. Wary eyes looking for anything else that may come to surprise the— Oooh! A robin’s egg! What’s that doing on the groun— Ow! Picking up the egg, Moft begins to flee from the angry bird attacking her for snatching her unborn chick!

Ulundes was infuriated, dodging a swipe from the vine, in her haste to retaliate swung to low, missing the vine completely. Rowena waved her hand in an arc, and a rejuvenating light refreshed Ulundes. The last plant blight faced down with the Bounty Hunter, and although it did dodge his attack, the creature could only give a high pitched laugh as he saw that weapon of his hunter go flying behind his back. Shantson prepared another incantation, dousing the vine-wrath in flame, added to the Rowena’s own holy radiance. The Orc side stepped a shower of nettles intended for Rowena, but it harmlessly bounced off her armaments and she continued her divine intervention.

Ulundes with her axe, and the Bounty Hunter with his secondary weapon equipped (a maul), ended the battle with two ferocious swings. Sccchnak! Went the vine wrath, thrashing about the ground with sap spraying from its now severed greenery. Cssshtak! The plant blight crunching beneath the weight of the maul. Tumbling out of the greenery, appearing to have forgotten the fight all together, twigs and leaves in her dark hair. “Look everyone! I found an egg!” She smiled wide, but to her own disappointment they were already moving on.

The Pond

They reached the pond, and to the dismay of Rowena and Shantson, the old groundskeeper of the camp, Phelan, was gone. The only trace was some supplies in the water, which Ulundes wasted no time in examining. Rowena took charge, they must gather the reagents. So she sent Moft up a tree to collect the highest leaves, and Ulundes procured the water from the deeps. Both Shantson and the Bounty Hunter continued their search around the area, for any bodies, seeing as the camp was neglected and left a mess, as well as good supplies tossed into the waters.

Having collected their things, Moft held onto the tree. Embarrassed by her inability to contribute to the fight, and being disregarded for finding a perfectly good robin’s egg.

“Moft, let’s go.”

“Im actually going to stay.”

“As am I.” Put in Ulundes from the water.

“Really, Moft?” Rowena fixed a stare on Moft as one would a child.

“I’m staying right here.”

“Suit yourself, Bounty Hunter, Shantson, we’re leaving.” With her reagents in tow, Rowena and Shantson began the long trek back to Còisir. Though with a twinkle of magic, everyone turned their head. Where once an Orc stood, only a sunflower remained. Shantson was quick to make his way, attempting to find any seeds he could find. Whilst all turned their heads to look at Moft.

Rag-Tag Adventuring Team is Born!

At request of Priestess Rowena, Moft, Ulundes, (Shawn’s Character), (Satchels Character), meet and discuss her growing concerns regarding Còisir. They also discuss whom is to be the leader, the rules of the party, and all the other shenanigans adventures must work out… Before they cut each others throats.